Browns Canyon Rafting Full Day

Summary: The day dawned with sunshine, the afternoon was rainy with dramatic skies and light on our raft trip. This was my first raft trip in many years. The Arkansas River flow through Browns Canyon was running 2000 cfs (high flow with spring runoff and rain). The overall experience was fabulous -- FABULOUS! We had an expert raft crew headed by Roscoe and supported by guides-in-training Dahlia and Drew. They gave us recommendations for clothing (wet suits!) and other gear. The water temp was 45F and when they say "no cotton", that's solid advice! There are clothes changing booths a needed. Everyone I met at Browns Canyon Rafting was fun-loving and helpful (ask questions when you have them!). Our guide reviewed the safety issues and we had some time to practice paddle technique. I am not a fast learner and I did not master every paddle stroke, but I felt safe for this adventure. The water flow was high -- and the rapids were exciting! Expect to be wet with lots of splash back! In wet suits, this was a great way to cool off! But mostly, it was exciting!! We say lots of birds in the water (common merganser, dipper) and along the shore (yellow warbler, mountain blue bird, swallow, kingfisher). The spring bloom along the shore was also beautiful! We were able stop on the shore for a stretch and hike -- and another great shore stop for lunch! Our crew assembled a great lunch (self-assembled wraps, chips and cookies) and it certainly was appreciated! Do listen to your guide, do allow your guide to fix your paddle technique as needed (you are learning, not being criticized!), and take the safety information seriously without being frightened. I was briefly outside of the raft on a rapid, but was quickly recovered. Guide instructions were important! I appreciated the patience and care shown by our guide and guides-in-training! I really felt it was an experience of a lifetime! While I want to again in the future, the current water flows are special (likely unique for me)! I did take my cell phone (in a waterproof plastic ziplock style case) and took a few photos, but the professional photos were much better than anything I took -- so consider those afterwards. This is "that occasion" for such photographs. Finally, because of the proverbial Colorado clear mornings and stormy afternoons scenario, I would recommend a raft trip that starts in the morning! Getting rained on is not the end of the world (and we had some rain along the way), but seeing Browns Canyon in the sunshine is superb!

Summary: The Browns Canyon rafting experience from beginning to end was simply incredible; thanks to the crew at Browns canyon rafting company. Our check-in experience was pleasant and welcoming. the raft guides made sure our equipment was properly fitted and all of the ground rules for rafting were covered thoroughly. Our guide (Chris) was friendly, knowledgeable, and considerate. By the time we got to the rapids, we were fully prepared and knew what to expect. We rafted the full day experience, which included lunch. We were expecting a basic, processed, "lunchable" type meal. What we had received instead was chips and salsa, fresh fruit and veggies including with deli-style wraps, which were prepared right on the spot. Their attention to detail and the care they demonstrate for their guests is second to none. We are definitely going back and would not even bother looking at another rafting company to entrust our experience with. Thanks Chris and the Browns Canyon Rafting Company. Until next time!!!

Summary: We had a family group of 12 who ranged in age from 8 to 70 and we had an awesome day with Nate and Joey as our guides!! They were super helpful and patient for the beginners and made it fun and exciting for the experienced rafters as well. Our full day trip included lunch that was quite nice. The kids favorite part was the big rapids! Would do it again in a heartbeat!!